On October 8, 2024, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Xavier Beccerra, declared a public health emergency in Florida as Hurricane Milton reached the coast. Hurricane Milton is said to be the strongest hurricane since Hurricane Rita in 2005 and the strongest hurricane to reach Tampa in the last 100 years, with winds reaching 180mph. The destruction caused 24 deaths and left millions without power. Thankfully, the declaration of a public health emergency reduced the potential destruction Milton could have left in its path.
So, what is the declaration of a public health emergency, and how does it benefit the public?
A public health emergency is a 90-day baseline declaration made by the Secretary of Health and Human Services when an imminent public health threat is likely to become an emergency that will compromise health and cause a widespread illness among a large population, as shown during the COVID-19 pandemic. A public health emergency is not just a label for a situation; it is a call to recognize the significance of a disaster that is profoundly impacting many people.
Under section 319 of the Public Health Service Act, a public health emergency is declared in a series of steps, starting with an evaluation of the threat and its severity. After collecting data, the Secretary consults with other public health officials to assess the severity of the threat to the health of at-risk populations, emphasizing the need for serious action.
If it is concluded that the threat poses a significant risk, the Secretary can issue a formal declaration, enabling the mobilization of federal resources and the implementation of strategic measures. This statement allows the Secretary to promote methods to decrease the effects of the given disaster, such as conducting and supporting investigations on the demographics of the disaster and providing supplies, equipment, and services, as stated by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response.
Public health emergencies include infectious disease outbreaks, bioterrorist attacks, and biological toxins, among others. On average, hurricanes can exacerbate health disparities due to drowning, injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning from a damaged power outage, infections, post-storm exposure to mold, and a tremendous amount of psychological stress. Beyond individual health risks, hurricanes can lead to broken medical infrastructure, affecting emergency responses and increasing morbidity and mortality. This ultimately necessitates a coordinated and robust response to protect the health and well-being of the affected communities.
By Diya Mehta